Female pleasure and sex positivity are not often talked about very openly. What does sexual agency look like for women in contemporary India? And how does it differ from the ubiquitous images we see in media coverage and pop culture of the sexually liberated western women? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas is in conversation with book author and psychologist Amrita Narayanan about the many nuances of women’s sexuality in the context of a patriarchal society. What can sexual empowerment look like within the Indian context? And how does female pleasure pivot between “rapture and distress”?Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/Amrita Narayanan’s X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmritaShrinkCredits:Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)Project Manager: Patricia Szilagyi (DW)Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasiahttps://www.dw.com/

What’s it like dating as a gay man? And how does it compare to loving men as a cis-hetero woman? In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas is comparing notes on “loving men” with writer, translator and co-founder of Pink List India, Anish Gawande. From meeting potential partners to power structures within relationships and their personal red flags when dating men. What are the differences and commonalities in relationships with current and previous lovers? And what can mainstream society learn from queer perspectives? Tune in to hear about these topics and many more.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/Anish Gawande’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anishgawande/?hl=en Credits:Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler (DW)Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasiahttps://www.dw.com/

Being a mother often seems to be the inevitable and most desirable role a woman can have in India. The question is never if, but when and how many children a woman will have. But why is this considered the “natural” destiny and the one and only true fulfillment of a woman’s life? How can there be a choice for - or against - motherhood? And what are the challenges for those who do not want to have children? In this episode of Love Matters host Leeza Mangaldas and writer Dr. Amrita Nandy unpack this sensitive subject; looking at how society romanticizes motherhood, the obsession with having biological children as well as finding purpose and kinship beyond being a parent. Join them in their candid and insightful conversation.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/Amrita Nandy’s book - Motherhood and Choice: Uncommon Mothers, Childfree Women - https://amzn.eu/d/64MsN7xCredits:Produced by: Patricia Szilagyi (DW), Charulata Biswas (IE)Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi (DW)Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler (DW)Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava (IE), Khyati Rajvanshi (IE)Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck (DW Life & Style), Anant Nath Sharma (IE)Sound Editor: Suresh Pawar (IE)Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasiahttps://www.dw.com

Dear Listeners, Love Matters is going on a short break and the next episode featuring the incredible Amrita Nandy will be available on the 6th of January.We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasiahttps://www.dw.com

Why was homosexuality a crime in India till 2018? Why is it that marital rape is still legal, while gay marriage is not yet legal? How does the legal system continue to shape our sexual rights, particularly for women and queer people's lives? Is constant vigilance the true price of liberty?In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas explores the impacts of patriarchy, laws, norms and the journey from 1950 to 2023, assessing the progress and challenges of women's and LGBTQ+ community rights in India with the help of Saurabh Kirpal, a Senior Advocate.Note: This episode of Love Matters about Love and the Law was recorded in August 2023, at which point the Supreme Court had not yet reached a verdict on marriage equality. We did not know at the time of recording what the verdict would be.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/Saurabh Kirpal’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurabh_kirpal/Produced by: Patricia SzilagyiResearch & guest acquisition: Sana RizviProject Manager: Sonja Kaun-TrenklerSound Editor: Suresh PawarEditorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Khyati RajvanshiExecutive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style, Anant Nath Sharma"Love Matters with Leeza Mangaldas" is a cooperation between The Indian Express and DW, Germany’s international broadcaster.Learn more about DW:https://www.facebook.com/dwasiahttps://www.dw.com

Is love truly free, or do those old caste boundaries still play a role in influencing whom we love? Can we challenge these age-old norms and create love stories that break the mold? How is the 'Bollywoodization' of weddings impacting society?In this episode of Love Matters, host Leeza Mangaldas delves into the intricacies of contemporary love, addressing one question at a time. Joined by Anurag Minus Verma, a writer, filmmaker, and host of the Anurag Minus Verma Podcast, they unravel the complexities of modern relationships.Leeza Mangaldas’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/Anurag Minus Verma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuragminusverma/Anurag Minus Verma Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/19bjmIcW7eNKccki8LwO2rProduced by: Patricia SzilagyiResearch & guest acquisition: Sana RizviProject Manager: Sonja Kaun-TrenklerSound Editor: Suresh PawarEditorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Khyati RajvanshiExecutive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style, Anant Nath Sharma

Do you feel comfortable talking about what goes on in your bedroom? Why is it still such a taboo to speak about sexual health and well-being? Evelyn explores all this and more, with the help of a “Millennial Doctor” who has made it her mission to speak to the next generation about sex and health openly – both in her practice and on her incredibly popular Instagram account, @dr_cuterus. Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Dr Tanaya Narendra`s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_cuterus/ Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

When you’re married, you’re a team. But what happens if you decide to take your duo professional – and start a business together? In this episode, Evelyn talks to Nidhi Singh and Shikhar Singh, a couple who decided to quit their biotech jobs and go into business together – founding a hugely successful chain of samosa restaurants. She gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it’s like to work with your spouse. Is it just more of a good thing? Or way too much of one? Listen in to find out. Evelyn Sharma's InstagramNidhi and Shikhar Singh`s InstagramProduced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

When it comes to a couple living together without being married, India has seen a lot of change. What used to be taboo is now gaining more acceptance, especially with Gen Z. In this episode, Evelyn talks to actress Ashlesha Savant, and her partner, actor Sandeep Baswana, who have been living-in for fifteen years. They talk about why they decided to go the live-in route, and how it’s shaped their love for each other. They also reflect on the attitudes of their families and society towards living-in, in India today. Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Sandeep Baswana: https://www.instagram.com/baswanasandeep/ Ashlesha Savant: https://www.instagram.com/ashleshasavant/?hl=en Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

This week we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes from Season One, in which Evelyn Sharma speaks to sex positivity influencer Leeza Mangaldas about sexual pleasure, women’s bodies, and how to talk about the stuff that is usually swept under the rug. Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: @evelyn_sharma Leeza Mangaldas’s Instagram: @leezamangaldas Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Producers: Jennifer Collins & Nicolas Martin Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Everyone wants connection. But not everyone is welcome in the online spaces we create for people to connect. In this episode, Evelyn chats to Nidhi Goyal about how we can remedy that (spoiler: it’s not hard!), and they reminisce on some hilarious, dubious encounters with dating apps, plus how Nidhi built a relationship with her partner. Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: @evelyn_sharma Nidhi Goyal’s Instagram: @saysnidhigoyalResearch & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd GeorgiiProject Manager: Sonja Kaun-TrenklerEditorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Do you find talking about money in your relationships unbearably awkward? Well, you’re not alone. But luckily for us, one couple has made it their mission to help us tackle this topic – together – for happier, healthier relationships. Today, we talk to Shivani and Pawan Agarwal about when, where and how to have these tricky conversations. Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Shivani & Pawan’s book: The Little Book on Financial ClarityResearch & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-TrenklerEditorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Having a baby is exciting. But for some moms, it can trigger post-partum depression. Today’s guest, the actress, writer, producer, and model Chhavi Mittal, talks to Evelyn about her own experience with PPD, how new moms can get through post-partum depression, and what a loving partner can do to help. Evelyn Sharma's InstagramChhavi Mittal`s InstagramProduced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Whether it’s just a flicker of red in the distance, or it’s suddenly waving violently in your face, the dreaded "red flag" of modern dating is not always easy to spot. In this episode, Evelyn chats to relationship expert Shahzeen Shivdasani about what a red flag actually is, what it isn’t, and how understanding the difference will help you date better, love deeper and have important conversations when you need to.Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram handle: @evelyn_sharma Shahzeen Shivdasani’s handle: @avec_shaz Shahzeen’s book: Love, Lust & Lemons: Your go-to guide for relationships, dating & everything in-between! Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Online dating apps tend to get a bad rap. But today’s guest Surbhi Bagga takes just the opposite point of view: She thinks online apps are great for finding love. In fact, the stand-up comic, TV writer and podcast host met her current partner on not one, but two different dating apps. So whether you‘re already looking for love on Tinder, Bumble or OkCupid, or you‘re considering signing up, this is an episode especially for you.Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Surbhi Bagga`s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surbhi.bagga/?hl=de Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

When you finally decide to tie the knot, you hope it’s going to be forever. But sometimes, things just don’t work out. So what happens if you find yourself a single parent who wants to get back out there and start dating? Today’s guest is a blogger, influencer, entrepreneur and single mom. She’s been using her platforms to talk about some of the challenges single parents in India face when they decide to start dating – and encouraging people to get out there and look for love!     Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Anupriya Kapur`s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anupriyakapur/?hl=de Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Today, we talk to a young fashion creator about learning to love yourself -- something society doesn’t always make easy, to say the least. While still in high school, Sriram Y started posting self-portraits on Instagram, and came to see himself very differently, as a result. His message of self-love and self-acceptance has resonated with tens of thousands of followers, and even international brands have taken note. Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Sriram Y’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sriramyofficial/ Produced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Love. Intimacy. Fulfilling sex. For a lot of people, these things can feel like they’re in pretty short supply. Luckily, sex coach and “sexpert” Pallavi Barnwal is here to talk to us about how to go about improving our intimate lives. So, whether you’re single or in a couple (or even a throuple!), if you want to take your ability to connect in the bedroom to the next level, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's InstagramPallavi Barnwal’s InstagramProduced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Michael Springer, Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Dating is fun, they tell you. Go out and meet someone, they say! Whether you’re dating for kicks or looking for love, putting yourself out there takes guts. Fear, discomfort and anxiety are all part of the dating job-description. So how can we embrace these scary feelings to find the connections we crave? In this episode, Evelyn talks to psychotherapist and author Sonali Gupta about healthy anxiety, sorting reliable mental health advice from the not-so-reliable, and how to know when to get help.Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: @evelyn_sharma Sonali Gupta’s Instagram: @mentalhealthwithsonali Sonali’s book: https://www.guptasonali.com/my-book Produced by: Charli Shield Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Michael Springer Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

Dating might look fun for everybody else, but in reality, it’s tough for pretty much everyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation. But when you’re part of the queer community in India, you also face a unique set of challenges on top of the nervousness that comes with putting yourself out there. In this episode, we chat to influencer, writer and renaissance-man Aniruddha Mahale about dating myths, finding community, and owning your desires. Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: @evelyn_sharmaAniruddha Mahale’s Instagram: @akneerude Aniruddha’s book: https://harpercollins.co.in/product/get-out/ Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Charli ShieldResearch & guest acquisition: Sana RizviSound Engineer: Jonas JostenProject Manager: Sonja Kaun-TrenklerEditorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati RajvanshiExecutive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

As just about anyone who has ever been in love knows, heartbreak hurts. A lot. But it can also help you grow, if you really take the time to process the pain. In this episode, psychiatrist and author Dr. Shyam Bhat talks to Evelyn about what happens when your heart breaks, and how you can emerge from the experience a stronger and more empathetic person. Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram Shyam Bhat’s InstagramProduced by: Axel Scheele, Sally McGrane Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

What do you do when you fall for someone who really fits the bill, but comes from a whole different part of the world? How do you decide where and how to live together? In this episode, Evelyn, who is German-Indian, talks to French-Indian actress Kalki Koechlin about the highs and lows of merging different cultures, traditions, dreams and languages to make love work with their international partners. Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram Kalki Koechlin’s Instagram Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Charli Shield Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

We all spend a lot of time at work. So it’s not inconceivable that, if you’re single, you might just find yourself having feelings for a colleague. This can be tricky terrain, as corporate inclusion expert Pallavi Pareek explains. From how an office flirt could affect your career to when it’s time to talk to HR, this episode helps us understand how we can make romance work, at work – and when it might be better just to walk away. Show notes: Ungender: https://www.ungender.in/ Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Pallavi Pareek’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pareek.pallavi/?hl=de Produced by: Sally McGrane, Axel Scheele Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

While the Love Matters team takes a short break at the end of the year, we’re playing one of our favorite episodes from Season 1 about the controversial topic of interfaith relationships in India. Such unions are rare: Less than 2% of couples who tie the knot are from interfaith backgrounds. Inter-religious relationships are often shunned, and those who are vocal about celebrating their love publicly can face a backlash.Evelyn speaks to actor Shruti Seth and her director husband Danish Aslam about the social media trolling they've faced for their interfaith marriage, as well as the importance of celebrating love in the face of hate and why their daughter gives them hope for the future.Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's InstagramShruti Seth’s InstagramDanish Aslam’s InstagramProduced by: Jennifer Collins, Nicolas Martin Research & guest acquisition: Sana Rizvi Sound Engineer: Thomas SchmidtEditorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati RajvanshiExecutive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

If it's not bringing in the money, lifting heavy things and never shedding a tear, what does it mean to be a 'man' in India today? For many men, this is an increasingly hard question to answer. As we move away from the harmful gender stereotypes that restrict what girls and women can and cannot do, more and more men are realizing that they too suffer from patriarchal ideas about how they should lead their lives. In this episode, Evelyn chats to writer and creator of the 'Boyish' newsletter Rajat Mittal about what holds men back from opening up, feeling their emotions and bonding with each other. And how becoming a father gave Rajat the courage to feel and speak about things he never had before.Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Boyish newsletter: https://boyish.in/ Rajat Mittal's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeinafolder/?hl=en Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Charli Shield Sound Engineer: Robin Funke Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

What’s life like in a ‘throuple’? That’s just one of the questions this episode dedicated to polyamory explores. Our guests Tanisha RK and Shweta Sangtani are in a committed relationship with each other and a third partner—who they also run a business with. They open up about common misconceptions -- like the idea that a polyamorous relationship involves less commitment than a monogamous one. They also share some of the best parts about being poly, which for them includes a focus on communication, emotional honesty, and taking time for yourself. Get in touch with your relationship questions or thoughts on this week's show on lovematters@dw.com. And if you like what you hear, help others find the podcast by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing our episodes! Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Sangya Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sangyaproject/ Tanisha RK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharkhootery/?hl=en Sangya Project: https://sangyaproject.com/ Produced by: Jennifer Collins, Sally McGrane, Axel Scheele, Charli Shield Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

In our first new episode since Love Matters' return, we dive into dating as a 20-something-year-old in India. There are a lot of assumptions out there about how young people are lovin' up on each other in today's era of hyperconnectivity and mobility. That they don't know how to meet people in person anymore, aren't serious about love and expect too much are just a few. So why not ask a couple of them what it's actually like and whether there's any truth to these notions? In this episode, Evelyn chats about love, dating and everything in between with the fun-loving and wise-beyond-their-years Gen Z social media personalities Kareema Barry and Agasthya Shah. Get in touch with your relationship questions or thoughts on this week's show on lovematters@dw.com. And if you like what you hear, help others find the podcast by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing our episodes! Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Kareema Barry's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareemabarry/ Agasthya Shah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agasthya.shah/ Produced by: Charli Shield, Jennifer Collins Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Project Manager: Sonja Kaun-Trenkler Editorial Support: Shashank Bhargava, Anant Nath Sharma, Khyati Rajvanshi Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Life & Style

What's it like being in a polyamorous relationship? How can you make your international love story last? What are some dating red flags to look out for? Love Matters with Evelyn Sharma is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of love — with the help of celebrities, experts, influencers and friends. Bollywood actress, entrepreneur, and new mother Evelyn Sharma talks matters of the heart with fabulous guests, who open up about their relationship experiences and share their insights with listeners. The podcast provides a space to talk about the love and relationship topics that are important to young Indians. Tune in! And if you have a burning relationship question that you would like featured, email us at lovematters@dw.com.

In the season finale of Love Matters, we return to the controversial topic of interfaith relationships in India. Such unions are rare: Less than 2% of couples who tie the knot are from interfaith backgrounds. Inter-religious relationships are often shunned, and those who are vocal about celebrating their love publicly can face a backlash — like our listener this week, Krutika Lele. Krutika is Hindu and her husband Tamir is Muslim and they're in a band called Interfaith. The musician says they have dealt with online harassment, prejudice and that she sometimes fears for their lives when they travel around the country. Evelyn speaks to actor Shruti Seth and her director husband Danish Aslam about the social media trolling they've faced for their interfaith marriage, as well as the importance of celebrating love in the face of hate and why their daughter gives them hope for the future. Get in touch with your relationship questions or thoughts on this week's show on lovematters@dw.com. Help others find the podcast by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing our episodes! Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Shruti Seth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shru2kill/ Danish Aslam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dontpanic79/ Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Department Life & Style Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin, Charli Shield DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava

Dating, relationships and finding love can be tough. But people with disabilities (PWDs) have their own set of challenges when trying to couple up. A lack of accessible spaces, as well as judgement and stereotyping from potential partners, strangers and friends, are just some of the obstacles India's 26.8 million disabled people face. That includes our listener Shagunn Pathak. Shagunn wants to date and find love like her peers but finds herself being labelled as needy or desperate just because she uses an assistive walking device. Why should she be treated any differently, she asks? Evelyn speaks to disability rights activist, motivational speaker and model, Virali Modi, about her experiences of dating with a disability, being in love and exploring one's sexuality. Virali talks about the importance of being unapologetically yourself regardless of whether you have a disability or not – and showing up to make a change in society. Tune in!  Show notes:  Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/Virali Modi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viralimodi_/ Emergency Response Service System (Pan-India Crisis Hotline): 112 Suicide Helplines: https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/this-is-serious/list-of-suicide-helplines-in-india/ Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck, DW Department Life & Style Lead Producer: Jennifer CollinsProducer and Lead Research: Sana RizviAssistant Producers: Nicolas Martin, Charli ShieldDW Format and Product Development: Laura DöingSound Engineer: Thomas SchmidtEditorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava 

Slim, hairless, flawlessly fair-skinned, cellulite and blemish-free — beauty standards upheld in the media are downright unrealistic. And harmful. Three in four women find the way the media portrays beauty promotes body shaming. At the same time, India's beauty and wellness markets are growing 18% year on year, around twice as fast as in the US and Europe. Tired of being made to feel unlovable because of their appearance, many people are embracing body positivity — the idea that all bodies are beautiful, no matter the size, shape, color, gender, or physical ability. In this episode, we hear from a listener who has come a long way to accept and love herself, but still feels she alienated in a society where anti-fat bias prevails. And Evelyn talks with yoga instructor and body positivity convert Natasha Noel about how she came to accept herself. Show notes: Emergency Response Service System (Pan-India Crisis Hotline) : 112 Suicide Helplines : https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/this-is-serious/list-of-suicide-helplines-in-india/ Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Natasha Noel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashanoel001/?hl=en Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin, Charli Shield DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava

More single women are living independently in India today than ever before. Many are choosing to be alone not because they cannot find a partner, but because they have found fulfillment outside a romantic partnership and marriage. They're prioritizing a relationship with themselves. In this episode, we hear from a listener who feels singlehood is the best choice for her well-being but she is still struggling with societal pressure to partner up. How can she accept herself and her decision if others around her can't? Journalist and author Sreemoyee Piu Kundu joins the show to answer these questions. Sreemoyee is single herself and has interviewed some 3,000 single women for her book Status Single: The Truth about Being a Single Woman in India. She joins Evelyn to talk about how to deal with the stigma single women in India face and how there is strength in independence.Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Status Single Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/statussinglegroup Sreemoyee Piu Kundu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sreemoyeekunduExecutive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin, Charli Shield DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing Sound Engineer: Gerd Georgii Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava

Women face enormous pressure to not only raise their children to be the best they can be and run their homes smoothly, but also to stay on top of their careers as if they had never given birth. Between these demands, many grapple with feelings of guilt about going back to work post-pregnancy and find there’s a lack of workplace support. Some two thirds of working women in India struggle to resume their careers after starting a family.In this episode, we hear from Pooja, a mother of two trying to decide whether she can go back to work — but would that mean abandoning her children? And, if she doesn’t, will she give up her chances of ever returning to the workforce? Evelyn, who is a working mom-to-be, is joined in this episode by celebrity fitness trainer and mum Yasmin Karachiwala to talk about her journey balancing the two careers and to hear her tips for new parents.Have any thoughts on the episode? Or would you like your question or concern featured on the show? Write to us at lovematters@dw.comShow notes:Evelyn Sharma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/Yasmin Karachiwala’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminkarachiwala/Executive Producer: Melanie von MarschalckLead Producer: Jennifer CollinsProducer and Lead Research: Sana RizviAssistant Producer: Nicolas MartinDW Format and Product Development: Laura DöingSound Engineer: Thomas SchmidtEditorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava

In this episode, the Love Matters team tell you all about the making of this podcast series on love and relationships. From how the DW and Indian Express collaboration came to be and how we worked together to bridge the culture gap to how we handle sensitive issues, we discuss it all and everything in between.Tune in.

Although, the right to practice any religion is enshrined in the Indian constitution and the Special Marriage Act allows it, marriages between people of different faiths are rare and often shunned. In fact, less than 2% of marriages in India are interfaith. In this episode, we hear from Alina, born of an interfaith marriage herself, who is juggling the different expectations of her Muslim father and Hindu mother as she dates, while also dealing with judgement from wider society. For guidance and perspective, Evelyn is joined by journalist and co-founder of the India Love Project, Niloufer Venkatraman, to talk about the stories they've gathered of love that transcends religion, caste, ethnicity and gender. Show notes: Would you like your questions featured on Love Matters? If so, write to lovematters@dw.com Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Niloufer Venkartman’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niloufervenk/?hl=en India Love Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indialoveproject/ Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins Producer and Lead Researcher: Sana Rizvi Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava

In this episode, we hear from listener Kheyali, who is struggling with wearing the "divorcee" label as a young woman in India. The divorce rate may have doubled in the country over the past two decades but at around 1%, it's still very low – and widely frowned upon. Women bear the brunt of society's judgement. They're most often blamed for marriage breakdowns and find themselves penalized for being without a husband even in seemingly simple things like trying to get their own apartment. Kheyali asks how she can overcome labels attached to being single and divorced at 30? How can she stand up to those who blame her for the end of her marriage? To help answer these questions, comedian and actor Kaneez Surka joins Evelyn to provide her insights into tackling the stigma and shame associated with being divorced India, the strength it takes to leave a marriage, and the joy and freedom one can find in learning to be on their own again. Tune in! Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Kaneez Surka’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaneezsurka/ Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins Producer and Lead Research: Sana Rizvi Assistant Producers: Nicolas Martin DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava

This week we hear from a listener struggling with feelings of shame about his sexuality because of society’s narrow and degrading views on homosexuality. While India overturned the colonial-era law that made same-sex relations illegal in 2018, discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community is rampant in the country, and acceptance is a long way ahead. So, in this episode, drag artist and LGTBTQ+ activist Sushant Divgikar joins Evelyn Sharma to give some heartfelt advice to our listener. Sushant also talks about how they overcame their struggles to become a "staunch believer in believing" in themselves and how they stopped letting the opinion of others dictate their life. Stay tuned for the surprise at the end. Show notes: Evelyn Sharma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelyn_sharma/ Sushant Divgikar's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushantdivgikr/ Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins Producer and Lead Researcher: Sana Rizvi Assistant Producer: Nicolas Martin DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing Sound Engineer: Thomas Schmidt Editorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava

Our listener has an awkward moment after her mom finds the morning after pill in her bag. She also wonders how to reassure her boyfriend she's having a good time in bed. In this episode, Evelyn Sharma speaks to sex positivity influencer Leeza Mangaldas to get advice for our listener. Leeza, a popular sex-positivity influencer on Instagram, answers questions on everything from female pleasure to safe sex. Her aim is to normalize conversations around sex and Evelyn and Leeza don't shy away from the subject! Tune in!Show notes: Leeza's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leezamangaldas/?hl=de Leeza's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Leezamangaldas1 Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins Producer and Lead Researcher: Sana Rizvi Assistant Producer: Nicolas Martin DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing Sound Engineer: Thomas SchmidtEditorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava

How do I keep my relationship going when I'm thousands of miles from my boyfriend? How do we communicate and trust each other? Gauri, a 22 year-old student from Bangalore sent us these questions and in this episode, we tried to help her find answers. Listen to host Evelyn Sharma as she speaks to her friends Benny Dayal, the playback singer, and Cathy, his entrepreneur wife, about dealing with the challenges of a long-distance relationship. The couple let us in on the secrets of how they make it work and also give Gauri some advice. And, there's a little surprise at the end of the show. Tune in!Show notes: Benny's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennydayalofficial/?hl=de Cathy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinedayal/?hl=de Studies on long distance relationships used in this episode's quiz: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249719474_Idealization_reunions_and_stability_in_long-distance_dating_relationships https://www.kiiroo.com/blogs/articles/how-to-make-your-long-distance-relationship-work-1 Executive Producer: Melanie von Marschalck Lead Producer: Jennifer Collins Producer and Lead Researcher: Sana Rizvi Assistant Producer: Nicolas Martin  DW Format and Product Development: Laura Döing Sound Engineer: Thomas SchmidtEditorial Support: Snigdha Sharma, Anant Nath Sharma, Shashank Bhargava 

Want to talk about sex openly? Are you figuring out how to be happily single? Or are you at odds with your family over your partner choice? Love Matters is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of love — with the help of celebrity guests and influencers! Each week, Bollywood actress, entrepreneur, mother and wife Evelyn Sharma hears from a listener with a relationship challenge and speaks to well-known Indians, who open up about their own experiences of love. The podcast provides a space to talk about the love and relationship topics that are important to Indians. So tune in and email us at lovematters@dw.com to have your relationship challenges features! Love Matters is a collaboration of The Indian Express and DW, Germany's international broadcaster.